BSB: Dan Jones' journey to the Superbike class

Welshman Dan Jones will make his Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut this season at the age of 20.

Jones, who works as a courier when not on the racetrack, will be contesting the 11-round championship with the PR Racing team. The rookie will race alongside veteran Dan Linfoot and Fraser Rogers.

Related articles on MCN

• FHO Racing and Gas Monkey join forces 
• DAO Racing unveil 2022 livery
• Christian Iddon joins Buildbase Suzuki

His move into the top class – or as Jones told MCN last month; “the Premier League of bike racing,”– has always been the plan, however it’s come a year earlier than originally thought after spending two years in the GP2 series with the PR Racing squad.

His participation in GP2 was part of a three-year plan named “Project 44”, masterminded by his boss and long-time sponsor, Darren Shaw. Together with the support of KT Motorsport, the aim was to get Dan into BSB by 2023.

A five-day test in Spain in late 2021 showcased Jones’ potential and helped make his dream a reality.

“This feels like it’s been a long time coming and now the opportunity is here, I am very, very excited,” Jones said. “I’m going to grasp it with both hands and really give it a go. The test in Spain was really positive and I came on leaps and bounds on the BMW in the five days we were there. It was probably one of the best tests I’ve ever had, and I was amazed at how good the bike is. As a result, we’ve ended up on the Superbike a year earlier than planned.

“There are no major expectations from any of my sponsors or the team, which is always nice for a rider. I’m going into the year with no pressure on my shoulders and the opportunity to learn. I’m lucky enough to have an experienced team-mate, who I can learn a lot from.

“My crew chief, Kev, has worked in Superbikes a lot, so I can also tap into his knowledge and learn and improve as we go. My personal goal is to be in the points by the end of the season. It’s a very strong grid this year, but if I can look at the championship standings and have points by my name, I’ll be happy.”

Jones has been racing since the age of seven and has race in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, Junior World Championship and British Moto3 Championship. Jones has four British titles to his name as things stand.

“I’ve had faith in Dan for a long time and I knew he would make it into the Superbike class,” Shaw, from Mailbox Express, added. “He’s a talented rider, but more than that, he has the determination and dedication to succeed. He puts in the work, and he gets results in return.

“The fact that we are heading to the Superbike class a year earlier than planned is of course brilliant, but it’s not too much of a surprise for me. I’m looking forward to seeing what Dan can achieve and watching him develop as a racer this season. No pressure from us though! This is an opportunity for him to learn and lay the foundations for a successful career in the British Superbike Championship.”